Rodney got on well with all the scholars except Sammie Dunker, who was
eight years old, and a bully to all younger children. When boys of his
own age and older were around, Sammie was very quiet. But when they
were not present he tyrannised over the little ones to such an extent
that existence, especially during the dinner hour, became almost
unbearable. He had knocked out several boys younger and smaller than
himself, until at last there was no one left to dispute his authority.

Rodney Royal, accordingly, was a new and choice victim. Sammie knew
all about him, as he had been freely and severely discussed at his home
almost every day as far back as he could remember. Here, then, was a
lawful prey, and he gloated over the stories he would have to tell to
his father of what he had done to the waif.

At noon-hour, the first day, Sammie made himself very objectionable.
He centred his attention upon Rod, for thus his name had now become
shortened by every one except the Royals. Rod bore these attacks and
insulting remarks as well as he could, and refrained from open
hostility. But what Sammie had done and said rankled in his heart and
mind for the rest of the day, causing him to lie awake for some time
that night thinking it all over.

He confided his thoughts to no one, however, but the next morning as he
left for school, there was a new look of determination in his eyes, and
he trudged along the road with head held high, and his shoulders thrown
back, while occasionally his hands clenched hard together.

For the first half of the noon-hour nothing happened. Whether Sammie
divined Rod's purpose is hard to say. Anyway, he devoted his attention